Cherokee Nation attracts new development to area with casino

The Cherokee Nation is spurring economic development in the Tulsa, Oklahoma, area thanks to its casino.

The Hard Rock Hotel &
Casino has drawn a Wal-Mart Supercenter to Catoosa. The 24-hour facility, which employs 300 people, opened today.

“It’s not only made things more eye appealing, but it’s helping to bring sales tax revenue to the city of Catoosa,” Cherokee Chief Bill John Baker told The Tulsa World. “It’ll really be a boon for the Catoosa area.”

The tribe bought land by the casino in hopes of bringing retail to the area. The tribe sold the property to a developer who lured Wal-Mart to the site.